Patient support apparatus with radiation sensor

ABSTRACT

A radiation monitoring system includes a patient support apparatus. A radiation sensor assembly is operably coupled to the patient support apparatus. The radiation sensor assembly includes a radiation sensor and a first controller. The radiation sensor senses radiation data corresponding to a radiation dose received by a patient. A management system includes a second controller that stores a patient profile database. The second controller is communicatively coupled with the first controller. The first controller communicates the radiation data to the second controller for storage in the patient profile database to monitor the radiation dose received by the patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/923,069, filed on Oct. 18,2019, entitled “PATIENT SUPPORT APPARATUS WITH RADIATION SENSOR,” thedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a patient support apparatusthat includes a radiation sensor.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a radiationmonitoring system includes a patient support apparatus. A radiationsensor assembly is operably coupled to the patient support apparatus.The radiation sensor assembly includes a radiation sensor and a firstcontroller. The radiation sensor senses radiation data corresponding toa radiation dose received by a patient. A management system includes asecond controller that stores a patient profile database. The secondcontroller is communicatively coupled with the first controller. Thefirst controller communicates the radiation data to the secondcontroller for storage in the patient profile database to monitor theradiation dose received by the patient.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a patient supportapparatus includes a support member coupled to a base. A radiationsensor assembly is operably coupled to the support member. The radiationsensor assembly includes at least one radiation sensor for sensingradiation data to monitor a radiation dose received by a patient. Apositioning assembly is operably coupled to the radiation sensorassembly and the support member. The radiation sensor assemblytranslates between a first end of the support member and a second end ofthe support member via the positioning assembly. The radiation sensorassembly remains operably coupled with the support member as theradiation sensor assembly is translated.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method ofmonitoring a radiation dose includes: aligning a radiation sensorassembly with a selected area to receive radiation. Radiation is emittedtoward a patient support apparatus. Radiation data corresponding to aradiation dose received by a patient is sensed via a radiation sensorassembly. The radiation data is communicated from a first controller ofthe radiation sensor assembly operably coupled with the patient supportapparatus to a second controller of a management system. The radiationdata is stored within a selected profile within the management system.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentdisclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilledin the art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of surgical suite accessories within asurgical suite, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a radiation sensor with an adhesiveportion and a cover film, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a partial side perspective view of a patient support apparatuswith a radiation sensor assembly disposed within a cavity defined in thepatient support apparatus, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a patient support apparatus with aradiation sensor assembly that translates between first and second endsof the patient support apparatus, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a partial side perspective view of a patient support apparatuswith a radiation sensor assembly adjustable via a belt and a gearassembly, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a partial side perspective view of a patient support apparatuswith a radiation sensor assembly adjustable via a worm gear assembly,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a partial side perspective view of a patient support apparatuswith a radiation sensor assembly adjustable via a rail assembly,according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a patient support apparatus with anarray of radiation sensors, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a radiation monitoring system, according tothe present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of monitoring a radiation dose,according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method of storing and displayingradiation data, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations ofmethod steps and apparatus components related to a patient supportapparatus with a radiation sensor. Accordingly, the apparatus componentsand method steps have been represented, where appropriate, byconventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specificdetails that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of thepresent disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details thatwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in thedescription and drawings represent like elements.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof, shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in FIG. 1 . Unlessstated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to a surface closest toan intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to a surfacefurthest from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood thatthe disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except whereexpressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood thatthe specific structures and processes illustrated in the attacheddrawings, and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appendedclaims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristicsrelating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered aslimiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variationthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elementsdoes not include only those elements but may include other elements notexpressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, orapparatus. An element preceded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, withoutmore constraints, preclude the existence of additional identicalelements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprisesthe element.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11 reference numeral 10 generally designates apatient support apparatus that includes a support member 14 that has apatient support surface 18 and has first and second ends 22, 26. Aradiation sensor assembly 30 includes a radiation sensor 34. Theradiation sensor assembly 30 is operably coupled with the support member14 and configured to translate between the first and second ends 22, 26.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the patient support apparatus 10 is illustrated asa surgical table. The patient support apparatus 10 includes the patientsupport surface 18 for supporting a patient thereon. In variousexamples, pads 38 are disposed on the patient support surface 18. Asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the patient support apparatus 10 includesmultiple pads 38 arranged on the patient support surface 18 between thefirst and second ends 22, 26. The pads 38 may be spaced apart from oneanother and define spaces therebetween, or alternatively, may bedirectly coupled to one another. Alternatively, the patient supportapparatus 10 may include a single pad 38 covering at least a portion ofthe patient support surface 18. The pads 38 may also be selectivelycoupled with the patient support surface 18. In such examples, the pads38 may be coupled with the patient support surface 18 by snap features,hooks, Velcro®, or other similar fasteners.

According to various aspects, the support member 14 includes multiplesegments 42. The segments 42 are generally independently movablerelative to one another. In this way, a single segment 42 may be rotatedto an incline, a decline, or otherwise moved relative to the adjacentsegments 42. The independently movable segments 42 may be advantageousfor aligning the patient on the patient support surface 18 for one ormore surgical procedures, imaging procedures, or other similarprocedures. It is also contemplated that the support member 14 is asingle segment 42.

The patient support apparatus 10 includes a base 46 and a pedestal 50that extends between the base 46 and the support member 14. Asillustrated in FIG. 1 , the pedestal 50 is centrally located relative tothe support member 14. While the patient support apparatus 10 isillustrated with a single central pedestal 50, it is contemplated thatmore than one pedestal 50 may extend between the support member 14 andthe base 46. It is also contemplated that the pedestal 50 may be coupledto the support member 14 at any practicable position between the firstand second ends 22, 26. In various examples, the base 46 includesrollers 54. In such examples, the patient support apparatus 10 may betransportable around a surgical suite or otherwise within a hospital orother medical facility.

Referring still to FIG. 1 , the patient support apparatus 10 may beoperably coupled with a radiation unit 58. The radiation unit 58 isgenerally movable relative to the patient support apparatus 10. In thisway, the radiation unit 58 may align with a selected part of the patientsupport apparatus 10 to perform one or more imaging procedures. In anon-limiting example, the radiation unit 58 may be an X-ray machineconfigured to emit electromagnetic waves (e.g., radiation) having awavelength in a range of from about 0.01 nm to about 10 nm.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1 , the radiation unit 58 is a C-armX-ray machine that includes an emitter 64 and a detector 66. The emitter64 is disposed above the patient proximate to the patient supportsurface 18, and the detector 66 is disposed below the patient proximateto a lower surface 60 of the support member 14. The electromagneticwaves (e.g., X-rays) may be directed at a selected focus area 62 on thepatient support apparatus 10, and consequently the patient, by theemitter 64. The electromagnetic waves may at least partially passthrough the support member 14 and the patient disposed thereon to bereceived by the detector 66. The radiation unit 58 generally sendsdetected data from the detector 66 to a control unit 68 of the radiationunit 58, which analyzes the detected data to produce an imagerepresentative of shadows formed by objects inside the body (e.g., toproduce the X-ray image). A surgeon, or other medical personnel, canadjust and align the radiation unit 58 relative to the patient supportapparatus 10 to obtain imaging of the patient during the one or moresurgical procedures. It is contemplated that the detector 66 may be partof the radiation unit 58, or alternatively, may be part of the radiationsensor assembly 30. It is contemplated that other types of imagingmachines may be utilized without departing from the teachings herein.Further, it is contemplated that the radiation unit 58 may also beutilized for various treatments for the patient.

Multiple surgical suite accessories 70 are generally positioned in thesurgical suite during the surgical procedures. The surgical suiteaccessories 70 include, for example, the patient support apparatus 10,the radiation unit 58, a user interface assembly 72, other medicalequipment, storage, etc. The user interface assembly 72 receives inputsfrom the medical personnel regarding the patient, the surgicalprocedures, the imaging procedures, or other aspects of the surgicalsuite environment. The user interface assembly 72 may include a displayscreen 74 to provide visual outputs to the medical personnel within thesurgical suite. For example, the imaging obtained by the radiation unit58 may be viewed on the display screen 74 during or after the surgicalprocedures.

Referring still to FIG. 1 , the patient support apparatus 10 may beoperably coupled with the radiation sensor assembly 30. The radiationsensor assembly 30 includes at least one radiation sensor 34, which isgenerally coupled to the support member 14. The radiation sensor 34 maybe operably coupled with the patient support surface 18, oralternatively, another practicable surface of the support member 14(e.g., a side surface, the lower surface 60, etc.). The radiation sensor34 may be integrally formed with the support member 14, oralternatively, removably coupled with the support member 14. Theradiation sensor assembly 30 may also be disposed in an interior of thesupport member 14.

Referring still to FIG. 1 , as well as FIG. 2 , the radiation sensorassembly 30 may be substantially stationary on the patient supportapparatus 10. For example, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may beadhered to the patient support apparatus 10. Additionally oralternatively, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be coupled to thesupport member 14 via hook and loop fasteners, snap features, buttons,clips, other fasteners or coupling members, or a combination thereof. Insuch examples, a cover film 90 may be removed from the radiation sensorassembly 30 that exposes an adhesive portion 92 on the radiation sensorassembly 30. The adhesive portion 92 couples the radiation sensorassembly 30 with the support member 14. The radiation sensor assembly 30may be applied to a selected location on the patient support apparatus10. The radiation sensor assembly 30 with the adhesive portion 92 may bedisposable or single-use, or alternatively, the adhesive portion 92 maybe configured for multiple uses in multiple locations on the patientsupport apparatus 10. In another non-limiting example, the adhesiveportion 92 of the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be replaceable, suchthat the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be reused. In such examples,the adhesive portion 92 is configured as an adhesive pad that is adheredto the radiation sensor assembly 30 on one side and adhered to thesupport member 14 on the opposing side. After completion of the surgicalor imaging procedures, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be removedfrom the patient support apparatus 10, and the adhesive pad may beremoved from the radiation sensor assembly 30 to be disposed. A newadhesive pad may then be used for subsequent uses of the radiationsensor assembly 30.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be manuallyadjusted to different predetermined locations on the support member 14.The patient support apparatus 10 may define multiple cavities 100 forreceiving the radiation sensor assembly 30. The cavities 100 may beselectively enclosed by an at least partially transparent window 102,such that the medical personnel can see whether the radiation sensorassembly 30 is positioned within a selected cavity 100.

The medical personnel may adjust the window 102 to access the cavity 100and then cover the cavity 100 when the radiation sensor assembly 30 isdisposed within the cavity 100. The window 102 may slide, pivot, orotherwise adjust to selectively allow access and enclose the selectedcavity 100. Alternatively, a substantially opaque panel may enclose oneof the cavities 100 to obscure the radiation sensor assembly 30 fromview. The windows 102 and panels may be interchangeable, such that thecavity 100 with the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be enclosed withthe window 102 and the empty cavities 100 may be enclosed with panels.This arrangement may be advantageous for quickly indicating to themedical personnel the location of the radiation sensor assembly 30. Themedical personnel may manually move the radiation sensor assembly 30between the cavities 100. Multiple cavities 100 may include theradiation sensor assembly 30 simultaneously. For example, the radiationsensor assembly 30 may include multiple radiation sensors 34 that may bedisposed in separate cavities 100. The cavities 100 may be accessed fromapertures 104 defined on the patient support surface 18, the lowersurface 60, or a side surface of the support member 14.

Referring to FIG. 4 , at least part of the radiation sensor assembly 30may be configured to translate between the first and second ends 22, 26of the support member 14. The adjustable radiation sensor assembly 30may be advantageous for aligning the radiation sensor assembly 30 withthe focus area 62 of the radiation unit 58 between the emitter 64 andthe detector 66, such that the radiation sensor 34 may sense radiationdata that corresponds to the radiation emitted from the radiation unit58 (FIG. 1 ). It is contemplated that the entire radiation sensorassembly 30 may adjust to different positions, or alternatively, theradiation sensor 34 may be adjusted without the remainder of theradiation sensor assembly 30.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 may bemechanically adjusted between the first and second ends 22, 26 of thesupport member 14 by a positioning assembly 108. It is contemplated thatthe positioning assembly 108 may be motorized, or may be manuallyoperated. For example, the positioning assembly 108 may include a belt110 that engages a gear assembly 112. The radiation sensor assembly 30may be coupled to a belt 110 that defines teeth 114 arranged along alength of the belt 110. The teeth 114 of the belt 110 engage the gearassembly 112 to move the radiation sensor assembly 30 between the firstand second ends 22, 26.

A motor 116 may be operably coupled with the gear assembly 112. Themotor 116 may be activated through the user interface assembly 72 (FIG.1 ). The medical personnel may control the motor 116 until the radiationsensor assembly 30 is in the selected position. Alternatively, themedical personnel may input a selected location, which may be anylocation or a predefined location, and the radiation sensor assembly 30may be adjusted to the selected location. The belt 110 and the gearassembly 112 may be disposed within the interior of the support member14. This configuration may be advantageous for minimizing interferencebetween the belt 110 and the medical personnel.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the positioning assembly 108 may be configured asa worm gear assembly 120. The radiation sensor assembly 30 may becoupled to a first worm gear 122 that engages a second worm gear 124operably coupled with the motor 116. The first worm gear 122 engages thesecond worm gear 124 to adjust the radiation sensor assembly 30 betweenthe first and second ends 22, 26 of the support member 14. As previouslydescribed, the motor 116 may be activated through the user interfaceassembly 72 and may be operated to adjust the radiation sensor assembly30 to the selected position.

Referring to FIG. 7 , in another non-limiting example, the positioningassembly 108 may be a rail assembly 130. In such examples, at least onerail 132 may be coupled to the support member 14 and the radiationsensor assembly 30 may be coupled to a rail slide 134. The rail slide134 with the radiation sensor assembly 30 may slidably engage the rail132 to adjust the radiation sensor assembly 30 between the first andsecond ends 22, 26. The rail slide 134 may be operably coupled with themotor 116 to adjust the rail slide 134 along the rail 132. As previouslyexplained, the motor 116 may be activated and controlled through theuser interface assembly 72.

The support member 14 may include one or more positioning assemblies108. For example, the rail assembly 130 may include two rails 132extending along a longitudinal extent of the support member 14. In suchconfigurations, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may include two slides134. Alternatively, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may include morethan one radiation sensor 34, with each radiation sensor 34 coupled to aseparate rail slide 134 for engaging one of the rails 132. The separateradiation sensors 34 may be adjusted simultaneously or independently. Itis contemplated that each positioning assembly 108 described herein mayalso be manually adjusted through a handle or similar device withoutdeparting from the teachings herein.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 may bepositioned at any practicable location on the support member 14.Additionally or alternatively, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may beadjusted between predefined regions of the support member 14 or to anyselected locations. When the radiation sensor assembly 30 is disposed ina certain region or arrives at a selected location, an indicator 140 maynotify the medical personnel that the radiation sensor assembly 30 ispositioned within the specified region or at the selected location. Theindicator 140 may be an icon, an illuminated feature, a button position,or another visual, tactile, or audio indicator. The indicator 140 may bedisposed on the patient support apparatus 10, the radiation sensorassembly 30, the user interface assembly 72, or a combination thereof.For example, when the radiation sensor assembly 30 is in a certainregion or a certain cavity 100, a light on the patient support apparatus10 proximate to the region or cavity 100 may illuminate. In anotherexample, a graphical representation of the position of the radiationsensor assembly 30 may be displayed on the user interface assembly 72.It is contemplated that the radiation sensor assembly 30 or the patientsupport apparatus 10 may include a position sensor 142 or a proximitysensor for determining the location of the radiation sensor assembly 30relative to the patient support apparatus 10. The position sensor 142may be included in the patient support apparatus 10, the radiationsensor assembly 30, or a combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 may includemultiple radiation sensors 34 arranged in an array 150. The radiationsensors 34 of the array 150 are generally spaced apart along the supportmember 14. In the illustrated configuration, the radiation sensors 34are disposed along a central longitudinal axis. Alternatively, theradiation sensors 34 may be disposed on opposing sides of the supportmember 14 relative to the central longitudinal axis or in any otherpracticable arrangement. The radiation sensors 34 may be mechanically ormanually adjustable to any practicable positions on the support member14 as previously described herein.

The array 150 may correspond with the predefined regions of the patientsupport apparatus 10. One or a grouping of radiation sensors 34 of thearray 150 may be disposed in each predefined region. The positions ofthe radiation sensors 34 may be adjusted within their respectivepredefined region. The predefined regions may correspond with themultiple segments 42 of the support member 14. The radiation sensors 34of the array 150 may be independently or selectively activated based onthe location of the radiation unit 58 or an input by the medicalpersonnel through the user interface assembly 72. It is alsocontemplated that multiple radiation sensor assemblies 30 may bearranged in the array 150.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8 , the radiation sensors 34 sense the radiationdata that corresponds to the radiation emitted from the radiation unit58. It is contemplated that the radiation sensors 34 may each detectradiation in discrete areas along the support member 14 or mayindividually or collectively detect radiation over the entire supportmember 14. Accordingly, the radiation sensor 34 may be configured as asingle sensor, the array 150 of radiation sensors 34, a sensing layerextending across the support member 14, etc. The radiation sensors 34sense the radiation data in the form of electromagnetic waves that havea wavelength in a range of from about 0.01 nm to about 10 nm (e.g.,X-rays). The radiation data sensed by the radiation sensors 34 isgenerally indicative of or corresponds to a radiation dose received bythe patient on the patient support apparatus 10. The radiation sensors34 may be utilized to monitor the radiation dose received by the patientduring the imaging procedures conducted during the surgical or otherprocedures.

According to various aspects, the radiation unit 58 may emit X-rays withenergies in a range of from about 100 eV to about 100 keV. X-rays may becategorized as hard X-rays or soft X-rays based on their energies.Typically, hard X-rays have energies above a range of from about 5 eV toabout 10 keV, which corresponds with a wavelength in a range from about0.2 nm to about 0.1 nm. Hard X-rays are typically more helpful formedical radiography (e.g., the imaging procedures) as the hard X-rayspass through the human body to the detector 66. Further, as the hardXX-rays pass through the human body, the hard X-rays are generally usedto create the shadow effect that creates the X-ray image in medicalradiography.

Soft X-rays typically exhibit energies in a range of from about 100 eVto about 5 keV, which corresponds with a wavelength in a range fromabout 10 nm to about 0.1 nm. Soft X-rays may be absorbed by the body orair within the surgical suite, which may increase the radiation dosereceived by the patient. As such, soft X-rays may be limited when in thesurgical suite by a filter 156 included in the radiation unit 58. Thefilter 156 may be placed over the emitter 64 to absorb the low-energypart of the spectrum (e.g., the soft X-rays). The filter 156 may be athin metal sheet, which is often constructed of aluminum. The process offiltering the radiation is often referred to as hardening the beam, asthe filter 156 shifts the center of the emitted spectrum toward higherenergy X-rays (e.g., hard X-rays). As such, the radiation sensor 34 maysense hard X-rays emitted from the radiation unit 58 more than softX-rays and may be calibrated accordingly.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 includes a firstcontroller 160, which includes a processor 162, a memory 164, and othercontrol circuitry. Instructions or routines 166 are stored within thememory 164 and executable by the processor 162. For example, the firstcontroller 160 generally includes at least one routine 166 foractivating or deactivating the motor 116. The first controller 160 isconfigured for gathering input, processing the input, and generating anoutput response to the input.

The first controller 160 may also include at least one routine 166 toanalyze the radiation data sensed by the radiation sensors 34. Forexample, the processor 162 may analyze whether the sensed radiation dataincludes hard X-rays, soft X-rays, or a combination thereof. The firstcontroller 160 may determine the amount of each of the hard and softX-rays sensed by the radiation sensors 34. In examples with multipleradiation sensors 34, the first controller 160 is communicativelycoupled with each radiation sensor 34 to receive the respective sensedradiation data. The first controller 160 may determine which radiationsensor 34 sensed the received radiation data. The first controller 160may also correlate the respective radiation sensor 34 with a location onthe patient support apparatus 10, which may be determined by theposition sensor 142 or may be a stored location within the memory 164.The first controller 160 of the radiation sensor assembly 30 alsoincludes communication circuitry 168 for receiving inputs andtransmitting outputs. The communication circuitry 168 may be anypracticable circuitry for exchanging data.

The radiation sensor assembly 30 may be in communication with a controlunit 180, which may be integrated into the patient support apparatus 10,or alternatively, may be disposed elsewhere in the surgical suite. Thefirst controller 160 may communicate the sensed radiation data to thecontrol unit 180. Additionally or alternatively, the first controller160 may activate or adjust the radiation sensors 34 in response toinformation received from the control unit 180 (e.g., positioning,orientation, etc.).

The first controller 160 may communicate with the control unit 68 of theradiation unit 58. The first controller 160 may activate or adjust theradiation sensors 34 in response to information received from thecontrol unit 68. The information may relate to the position or status ofthe emitter 64 or the detector 66 or a specific setting for theelectromagnetic waves to be emitted. In response to receiving theinformation from the control unit 68, the radiation sensor assembly 30may scale measurements for the sensed radiation data based on theexpected wavelength range of the radiation emitted from the radiationunit 58 (e.g., hard X-rays, soft X-rays, etc.). This adjustment may beadvantageous for increasing accuracy or efficiency of the radiationsensors 34, which may increase the accuracy of the sensed radiationdose.

Referring still to FIG. 9 , the radiation sensor assembly 30 is incommunication with the user interface assembly 72. The radiation sensors34 may be selectively activated by an input received by the userinterface assembly 72. The medical personnel may input a selectedradiation sensor 34 into the user interface assembly 72 and a selectedposition or location in the support member 14. The user interfaceassembly 72 may send a signal indicating the selected radiation sensor34 to be activated to the first controller 160. Accordingly, differentregions or zones of radiation sensors 34 may be selectively activatedbased on the focus area 62 of the radiation unit 58. The position of thefocus area 62 may be selected or input by the medical personnel via theuser interface assembly 72 or otherwise communicated to the radiationsensor assembly 30. The radiation sensor assembly 30 may communicatewith each of the control unit 180 of the patient support apparatus 10,the control unit 68 of the radiation unit 58, and the user interfaceassembly 72 via a communication interface 190.

The first controller 160 may also communicate with a management system200 via the communication interface 190. The management system 200includes a second controller 202 generally includes a processor 204, amemory 206, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines 208are stored within the memory 206 and executable by the processor 204.The second controller 202 also includes communication circuitry 210configured for bidirectional communication.

In a non-limiting example, the communication interface 190 may include anetwork. The network may be one or more various wired or wirelesscommunication mechanisms, including any combination of wired (e.g.,cable and fiber) and/or wireless communications and any network topologyor topologies. Exemplary communication networks include wirelesscommunication networks, such as, for example, a Bluetooth® transceiver,a ZigBee® transceiver, a WiFi transceiver, an Infrared Data Association(IrDA) transceiver, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) transceiver,etc. The first and second controllers 160, 202 may include circuitryconfigured for bidirectional wireless communication. Additionalexemplary networks include local area networks (LAN) and/or wide areanetworks (WAN), including the Internet or other data communicationservices. It is contemplated that the first and second controllers 160,202 may communicate by any suitable technology for exchanging data. Eachof the first and second controller 160, 202 may include transceivers, orseparate transmitters and receivers. In examples using the Bluetooth®transceiver, the first and second controller 160, 202 may be linked orsynchronized (e.g., synced).

Referring still to FIG. 9 , the management system 200 may include remotedevices or servers that store information. The management system 200generally stores Electronic Medical Records and Electronic HealthRecords of patients associated with the medical facility. The managementsystem 200 may also store information regarding medical personnel,equipment, various workflow or treatment programs or software, etc.

The radiation sensor assembly 30 and the management system 200 may beincluded in a radiation monitoring system 220 of the hospital or medicalfacility. The management system 200 generally stores a patient profiledatabase 222 within the memory 206. The patient profile database 222stores the Electronic Medical Records, the Electronic Health Records,and other patient information within patient profiles 224.

Referring still to FIG. 9 , the radiation monitoring system 220 operatesto sense and store the radiation dose for a patient during imagingprocedures, treatments, etc. The radiation dose received by the patientduring the various procedures may be automatically stored in the patientprofile 224. The radiation dose may also be displayed to the medicalpersonnel in the surgical suite via the user interface assembly 72. Thecommunication interface 190 provides communication between variousfeatures of the radiation monitoring system 220, including between theradiation sensor assembly 30, the patient support apparatus 10, theradiation unit 58, and the user interface assembly 72, as well asbetween the radiation sensor assembly 30 and the management system 200.

Referring to FIG. 10 , as well as FIGS. 1-9 , a method 250 of monitoringthe radiation dose includes step 252 of aligning the patient supportapparatus 10 with the radiation unit 58. The radiation unit 58 may bedisposed over the patient support apparatus 10, such that the focus area62 is aimed at a selected portion of the patient on the support member14. The focus area 62 may be limited to the selected area to reduceexposure to radiation to other areas of the patient. The radiation unit58 may include a lens or similar device for limiting the focus area 62or directing the emitted radiation.

In step 254, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be adjusted to aselected position between the emitter 64 and the detector 66. Thisadjustment may be accomplished manually or automatically via thepositioning assembly 108. Step 254 may also include aligning the filter156 on the emitter 64 for reducing the soft X-rays that are emittedtoward the patient.

Step 256 includes emitting the radiation from the radiation unit 58. Themedical personnel may activate the radiation unit 58 via the userinterface assembly 72, which communicates with the control unit 68 ofthe radiation unit 58. The radiation unit 58 emits radiation toward thepatient support apparatus 10 within the focus area 62. The medicalpersonnel may deactivate the radiation unit 58 by a subsequent input tothe user interface assembly 72. Additionally or alternatively, theradiation unit 58 may automatically deactivate after a predeterminedtime, or after emitting a predetermined radiation dose. In exampleswhere the radiation unit 58 deactivates after emitting the predeterminedradiation dose, the radiation dose may be sensed by the radiationsensors 34 and compared to a selected radiation dose by the firstcontroller 160.

In step 258, the radiation data is sensed by the radiation sensorassembly 30. The radiation data sensed may be radiation proximate to thepatient support surface 18 of the patient support apparatus 10, andconsequently, may be the radiation dose received by the patient. In step258, the radiation sensor assembly 30 analyzes the radiation dose ofhard X-rays and/or soft X-rays sensed by the radiation sensors 34. Theradiation sensor assembly 30 may also analyze the duration of exposureto the radiation.

In step 260, the first controller 160 of the radiation sensor assembly30 communicates the radiation data to the second controller 202 via thecommunication interface 190. Generally, the first controller 160 iscoupled with the patient support apparatus 10 and the second controller202 is separate from the patient support apparatus 10. The sensed data,the analyzed data, or a combination thereof may be communicated to thesecond controller 202 of the management system 200. Step 260 may alsoinclude communicating the sensed data, the analyzed data, or acombination thereof to the user interface assembly 72. The communicationto the management system 200 may be substantially concurrent with thecommunication to the user interface assembly 72.

Step 262 may include assigning identification information to theradiation data received in the management system 200. The identificationinformation may include a date, a time, a location, or a combinationthereof in which the radiation data was sensed. Step 262 may alsoinclude confirming whether the radiation data received in the managementsystem 200 was received with a patient name or other patientidentification associated with the radiation data.

In step 264, the second controller 202 may store the radiation dataaccording to at least one algorithm or routine 208, which is set forthin further detail below. The radiation data is generally stored in acorresponding patient profile 224 within the patient profile database222. The radiation data may be stored in the patient profile 224substantially simultaneously with the sensing of the radiation data, oralternatively, may be communicated and stored after the imagingprocedure or treatment is completed. Additionally or alternatively, ifthe radiation data is received without an associate patient name, theradiation data may be stored in a designated location or profile in themanagement system 200 based on the date information assigned to theradiation data.

In step 266, the radiation data may also be displayed on the userinterface assembly 72. The radiation data sensed by the radiationsensors 34 may be communicated to the medical personnel via the displayscreen 74 of the user interface assembly 72. Additionally oralternatively, the radiation data may be communicated to the medicalpersonnel within the surgical suite by an additional output (forexample, an audio output) from the user interface assembly 72.Displaying radiation data allows the medical personnel to activelymonitor the radiation dose of the patient during or directly after theimaging procedure or treatment.

According to the method 250, the radiation data sensed by the radiationsensor assembly 30 may be communicated to the management system 200. Inthis way, the radiation dose received by the patient on the patientsupport apparatus 10 may be automatically recorded in the patientprofile database 222 and displayed on the user interface assembly 72.The radiation sensors 34 may periodically or continuously sense theradiation data from the radiation unit 58. The sensed radiation data maybe analyzed by the first controller 160 as the radiation sensors 34 aresensing additional radiation data. Moreover, the radiation data may becommunicated to the second controller 202 concurrently with theradiation sensors 34 sensing additional radiation data or after thefirst controller 160 analyzes the radiation data. As such, the radiationmonitoring system 220 may provide “real-time” recording of the radiationdose and/or “real-time” display of the radiation dose received by thepatient. This may increase accuracy of the information in the patientprofile 224 information, as well as alert medical personnel if theradiation dose received by the patient has exceeded a specifiedthreshold. It is understood that the steps of the method 250 may beperformed in any order, simultaneously, and/or omitted without departingfrom the teachings provided herein.

Referring to FIG. 11 , as well as FIGS. 1-10 , the second controller 202may include at least one algorithm or routine 208 for storing theradiation data as set forth in step 260 of the method 250. The storingroutine 208 begins with step 300 where the second controller 202receives the radiation data from the first controller 160 via thecommunication interface 190. In step 302, once the second controller 202receives the radiation data, the radiation data may be labeled oridentified with a date, time, location, or other identifying data. Thedate and time associated with the radiation data may be identified bythe first controller 160 when the radiation data is initially sensed oranalyzed or may be input by the medical personnel. The second controller202 utilizes the date and time information to label the received data.This configuration allows for monitoring when the radiation dose wasreceived and may be advantageous if there is a delay in communicatingthe information to the second controller 202. Accordingly, the date andtime recorded with the radiation data correspond with the date and timethat the patient received the radiation dose. The location correspondswith the surgical suite where the radiation unit 58 and the radiationsensor assembly 30 were used. The location information may beadvantageous for monitoring certain medical personnel or medicalequipment to determine if there may be trends in radiation dosesreceived by patients over time. It is contemplated that the radiationdata may be labeled or otherwise identified with additional oralternative information depending on the routine 208.

Once the radiation data is labeled or otherwise identified, at decisionstep 304 the routine 208 determines whether the radiation data wasreceived with a patient name associated with the radiation data. Themedical personnel within the surgical suite may input the patient nameor information via the user interface assembly 72. The first controller160 may associate or link the sensed radiation data received with thepatient name or information. The medical personnel may manually inputthe patient name or information, or alternatively, may scan a barcodeassociated with the patient name or information.

If the medical personnel inputs the patient name or information, theassociated patient profile 224 is retrieved from the patient profiledatabase 222 in step 306. In step 308, the radiation data is storedwithin the associated patient profile 224. The radiation data may bestored on a continual basis during the imaging procedure. In suchexamples, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may continually sendradiation data to the second controller 202 during the time theradiation unit 58 is in use. Alternatively, the radiation data may betemporarily stored in the first controller 160 until the radiation unit58 is deactivated. Once the radiation unit 58 is deactivated, the firstcontroller 160 may communicate the radiation data to the secondcontroller 202 for storage. With the patient profile 224 retrieved fromthe patient profile database 222, the sensed radiation data may becommunicated to the second controller 202 and immediately stored withthe patient profile 224.

Returning to the decision step 304, if the radiation data was receivedby the second controller 202 without the patient name or information, indecision step 310 the routine 208 determines if the patient profiledatabase 222 includes a non-patient specific profile with acorresponding date. Stated differently, the routine 208 determines ifthere is a profile in the patient profile database 222 that is labeledwith a date that matches the date of the labeled radiation data. Ifthere is no profile with the corresponding date, a profile is createdfor the date assigned to the radiation data in step 312. If there is aprofile for the corresponding date, the routine 208 may bypass step 312and proceed to step 314 to store the radiation data in the profile withthe corresponding date. In this way, if there is an error, eitherhuman-based or system-based, in inputting the name or information of thepatient, the radiation data is stored in a profile that corresponds withthe date the radiation data was sensed by the radiation sensor assembly30. Using the location information and the date, the medical personnelmay move the radiation data from the non-patient specific folder to thepatient profile 224.

In step 316, the routine 208 may sort the radiation data for thecorresponding date by location (e.g., surgical suite). This sorting maybe completed in the patient profile 224 or the non-patient specificprofile for convenience in finding the radiation data at a later time.The routine 208 provides for automatic storage of the radiation data forthe patient in the associated patient profile 224, or alternatively,stored by the date or the location of the sensed radiation. The sensedradiation data may be stored for each patient to monitor the radiationdose received during an imaging procedure or treatment. The medicalpersonnel may monitor if the radiation dose received by the patientexceeds a specific threshold. Additionally or alternatively, theradiation doses stored for each patient may collectively be monitoredfor trends in certain medical personnel or medical equipment or certainhealth concerns.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. Forexample, the radiation sensor assembly 30 may be adjusted on the supportmember 14 of the patient support apparatus 10. Further, the adjustmentof the radiation sensor assembly 30 may increase the accuracy andefficiency of the radiation sensors 34. Additionally, the radiationsensor assembly 30 may communicate the sensed radiation data to the userinterface assembly 72 and the second controller 202 in the managementsystem 200. When the radiation data is sent to the user interfaceassembly 72, the medical personnel within the surgical suite may beperiodically or continuously updated with the radiation dose received bythe patient on the patient support apparatus 10. When the radiation datais communicated to the second controller 202, the radiation data may beperiodically or continuously stored in the associated patient profile224. Moreover, the continuous notification to medical personnel and thecontinuous storage of the radiation data in the patient profile 224 mayincrease the accuracy and efficiency of the electronic medical recordsof the patient, while minimizing human-based errors in the recordingprocess. Additionally, the continuous recording and notification mayalso help prevent adverse health effects as a result of a radiation dosethat exceeds a specified threshold. Additional benefits or advantages ofusing this device may also be realized and/or achieved.

The device disclosed herein is further summarized in the followingparagraphs and is further characterized by combinations of any and allof the various aspects described therein.

According to another aspect, a radiation monitoring system includes apatient support apparatus. A radiation sensor assembly is operablycoupled to the patient support apparatus. The radiation sensor assemblyincludes a radiation sensor and a first controller. The radiation sensorsenses radiation data corresponding to a radiation dose received by apatient. A management system includes a second controller that stores apatient profile database. The second controller is communicativelycoupled with the first controller. The first controller communicates theradiation data to the second controller for storage in the patientprofile database to monitor the radiation dose received by the patient.

According to another aspect, a positioning assembly operably coupled tothe radiation sensor assembly, wherein the positioning assemblytranslates the radiation sensor assembly between first and second endsof the patient support apparatus.

According to another aspect, the patient support apparatus defines acavity for selectively receiving the radiation sensor assembly.

According to another aspect, the second controller of the managementsystem includes patient profiles stored in the patient profile database,and wherein the radiation data is stored within a respective patientprofile.

Another to another aspect, a user interface assembly communicativelycoupled to the first controller, wherein the first controllercommunicates the radiation data to the user interface assembly to bedisplayed by the user interface assembly.

According to another aspect, the radiation sensor includes an adhesiveportion and a cover film, and wherein the radiation sensor is removablycoupled to the patient support apparatus.

According to another aspect, a position sensor operably coupled to thepatient support apparatus, wherein the position sensor senses a positionof the radiation sensor.

According to another aspect, a patient support apparatus includes asupport member coupled to a base. A radiation sensor assembly isoperably coupled to the support member. The radiation sensor assemblyincludes at least one radiation sensor for sensing radiation data tomonitor a radiation dose received by a patient. A positioning assemblyis operably coupled to the radiation sensor assembly and the supportmember. The radiation sensor assembly translates between a first end ofthe support member and a second end of the support member via thepositioning assembly. The radiation sensor assembly remains operablycoupled with the support member as the radiation sensor assembly istranslated.

According to another aspect, the positioning assembly includes a railassembly, wherein the radiation sensor assembly is coupled to a railslide slidably engaged with a rail.

According to another aspect, the positioning assembly includes a belthaving a plurality of teeth that engage a gear assembly.

According to another aspect, the positioning assembly includes a motorfor automatically adjusting a position of the radiation sensor assembly.

According to another aspect, a position sensor operably coupled to thesupport member, wherein the position sensor senses a position of theradiation sensor assembly.

According to another aspect, the at least one radiation sensor senseselectromagnetic waves having a wavelength in a range of from 0.01 nm to10 nm.

According to another aspect, the radiation sensor assembly includes acontroller for communicating the radiation data to a patient profile.

According to another aspect, the at least one radiation sensor includesan array of radiation sensors arranged between the first end and thesecond end of the support member.

According to another aspect, a method of monitoring a radiation doseincludes: aligning a radiation sensor assembly with a selected area toreceive radiation. Radiation is emitted toward a patient supportapparatus. Radiation data corresponding to a radiation dose received bya patient is sensed via a radiation sensor assembly. The radiation datais communicated from a first controller of the radiation sensor assemblyoperably coupled with the patient support apparatus to a secondcontroller of a management system. The radiation data is stored within aselected profile within the management system.

According to another aspect, the radiation sensor assembly is adjustedto a position between an emitter and a detector of a radiation unit.

According to another aspect, identification information is assigned tothe radiation data, and the radiation data is stored in the selectedprofile associated with a patient.

According to another aspect, the radiation data is displayed on a userinterface assembly.

According to another aspect, a date is assigned to the radiation datacorresponding to when the radiation data was sensed, and the radiationdata is stored in the selected profile within the management systemcorresponding to the date.

It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described disclosure and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of thedisclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, controllers, andcircuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed hereinmay be implemented or performed with application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), generalpurpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs) or other logicdevices, discrete gates or transistor logic, discrete hardwarecomponents, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functionsdescribed herein. A general purpose processor may be any conventionalprocessor, controller, microcontroller, state machine or the like. Aprocessor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the disclosure, as shown in the exemplary embodiments,is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multipleparts, or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, theoperation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, thelength or width of the structures and/or members or connector or otherelements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustmentpositions provided between the elements may be varied. It should benoted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may beconstructed from any of a wide variety of materials that providesufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors,textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of the present innovations.Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be madein the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired andother exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of thepresent innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

What is claimed is:
 1. A radiation monitoring system, comprising: apatient support apparatus; a radiation sensor assembly operably coupledto the patient support apparatus, wherein the radiation sensor assemblyincludes a radiation sensor and a first controller, and wherein theradiation sensor senses radiation data corresponding to a radiation dosereceived by a patient; a position sensor operably coupled to the patientsupport apparatus, wherein the position sensor senses a position of theradiation sensor; and a management system including a second controllerthat stores a patient profile database, wherein the second controller iscommunicatively coupled with the first controller, and wherein the firstcontroller communicates the radiation data to the second controller forstorage in the patient profile database to monitor the radiation dosereceived by the patient.
 2. The radiation monitoring system of claim 1,further comprising: a positioning assembly operably coupled to theradiation sensor assembly, wherein the positioning assembly translatesthe radiation sensor assembly between first and second ends of thepatient support apparatus.
 3. The radiation monitoring system of claim1, wherein the patient support apparatus defines a cavity forselectively receiving the radiation sensor assembly.
 4. The radiationmonitoring system of claim 1, wherein the second controller of themanagement system includes patient profiles stored in the patientprofile database, and wherein the radiation data is stored within arespective patient profile.
 5. The radiation monitoring system of claim1, further comprising: a user interface assembly communicatively coupledto the first controller, wherein the first controller communicates theradiation data to the user interface assembly to be displayed by theuser interface assembly.
 6. The radiation monitoring system of claim 1,wherein the radiation sensor includes an adhesive portion and a coverfilm, and wherein the radiation sensor is removably coupled to thepatient support apparatus.
 7. A method of monitoring a radiation dose,comprising: aligning a radiation sensor assembly with a selected area toreceive radiation; adjusting the radiation sensor assembly to a positionbetween an emitter and a detector of a radiation unit; emittingradiation toward a patient support apparatus; sensing radiation datacorresponding to said radiation dose via the radiation sensor assembly;communicating the radiation data from a first controller of theradiation sensor assembly operably coupled with the patient supportapparatus to a second controller of a management system; and storing theradiation data within a selected profile within the management system.8. The method of claim 7, further comprising: assigning identificationinformation to the radiation data; and storing the radiation data in theselected profile associated with a patient.
 9. The method of claim 7,further comprising: displaying the radiation data on a user interfaceassembly.
 10. The method of claim 7, further comprising: assigning adate to the radiation data corresponding to when the radiation data wassensed; and storing the radiation data in the selected profile withinthe management system corresponding to the date.